Hotel Zeytinada

Set amid olive trees, flowers, cacti, and palms, the Zeytinada is intimate and romantic choice in an area of Turkey that's more well known for its all-inclusive resorts. Its 78 rooms are housed in 14 low structures built around a lovely, quiet pool surrounded by lush plants. Its architectural style blends modern Turkish shapes with traditional regional accents, such as large blocks of stone, natural woods, and whitewashed surfaces. Tranquil gardens bursting with flowers and local plants make for an awe-inspiring backdrop, while fuchsia bougainvillea cascading down stone facades adds lots of local charm. Lawns dotted with rope hammocks and cobblestone paths flanked by shrubs feel inviting and relaxing. White-on-white interiors have a fresh look that combined with huge floor-to-ceiling windows give spaces an airy feel. Common spaces range from chic (the spa) to casual and pretty (the restaurant and pool area). The lobby falls squarely in between, with polished white floors, stylish white couches and armchairs with gray cushions, and a spacious seating room with exposed stone accent walls, vaulted brick ceilings, and wicker furniture. Guests here are mostly couples seeking some peace and quiet, but the hotel’s Double Suites, cute playground, and two pools make it a good pick for families with young kids as well. Those traveling with active teenagers may want to look elsewhere, though, as there's little for them to do on-site.

The hotel is located directly off one of the main roads in Torba, but the main building is set back from the entrance and noise is generally not an issue. There is supermarket and a number of other hotels along the road, but the action in the center of the city is a little farther afield, about a five-minute walk from the hotel. The beach can also be reached in five minutes on foot, and the hotel offers free shuttle service to another one that's a 15-minute drive away. While Torba is better suited for those seeking some rest and relaxation, culture buffs can visit the ruins of a Byzantine monastery that are located a 15-minute walk from the hotel. A 10-minute drive away is the town of Bodrum, which features a wide array of bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as historic attraction such as the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Bodrum Castle, and the Myndos Gate. Public buses stop right outside the property. The nearest international airport is Milas–Bodrum, located about a half-hour away by car.

The hotel has 78 rooms divided into three categories: Standard, Suites, and Double Suites. All feature simple decor with cornsilk-white furniture, cream-colored tile floors, and beige curtains. The neutral palette, clean lines, and warm lights make rooms contemporary and appealing, and rustic-chic details such as olive tree-shaped bedside lamps and glass walls overlooking the bathroom add style. At 27 square meters (290 square feet), Standard Rooms are cozy, but large windows opening onto furnished balconies make them feel more spacious. Suites start at 50 square meters (540 square feet), and feature separate living areas with a couch, a coffee table, and a desk. Each unit is equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TVs (two in suites), individually controlled air-conditioning, an electronic safe, and a fully stocked minibar. Bathrooms are compact but clean, with white marble walk-in showers, rectangular vessel sinks over spacious marble counters, and an array of toiletries. Wall-mounted hairdryers and makeup mirrors are also provided.  

Despite its boutique status, this hotel has a surprising number of features that hold up nicely against the big-box hotels up and down the coast in this region. The freeform pool is spacious and pleasant, with a quiet vibe and several dozen padded loungers and a few umbrellas around it. The kiddy pool is a little away from the main pool, and features a cute elephant-shaped slide. A separate area with a thatched roof houses a playground complete with swings, see-saws, and a slide. There's a poolside snack bar offers fast food items throughout the day, as well as drinks and juices. Breakfast and dinner are served at the buffet restaurant, decorated with cafe-style furniture painted white and lovely table runners with olive branch designs. Outdoor seating is also available. Food generally scores high marks from guests, though drinks can be quite expensive. The spa is chic and upscale, with dark floors and walls, natural wood and stone accents, and dim lighting. It features a beautiful white marble-clad Turkish bath, a sauna, a whirlpool, and massage cabins. A handful of cardio and strength training machines are available at the fitness center, and there's also a tennis court on-site. The hotel offers free shuttle service to a nearby beach. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free as well.